Collapsible extension table



May 13, 1930. G. w. McTHOMPSQN COLLAPSIBLE EXTENSION TABLE Filed May 1928 2 Sheets-Sheet- 1 Er 22 1Q Y ,0 23 y 27 Inventor Attorney Patented May 13, 193i) GEORGE W. MGTHOMPSON, OF HAVI RIVER, NORTH CAROLINA COLLAPSIBLE EXTENSION TABLE Application filed. May 7,

The present invention relates to a collapsible extension article support, in the form of a shelf, a table, an ironing board, or equivalent elements.

Briefly described, the invention comprises a table or its equivalent having a foldable supporting leg at its center, and a novel retension or clamping device at one end adapted to engage the projecting portion of another table, shelf or the like.

The structure herein shown and described is carried into effect through the utilization of two closely related embodiments of the in vention.

Both embodiments including a generic arrangement of parts such as is broadly con'1-' prehended in the preceding paragraphs.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of one embodiment of the invention showing it set up for use and attached to the edge of a main supporting table, the device here being in the form of an ironing board.

Figure 2 is a bottom plan view of the structure with the parts folded ready for transportation.

Figure 3 is an enlarged detail view, showing a slidable supporting foot, having pawl and ratchet retaining means therefor.

different embodiment of the invention with the parts disposed in operative position, this being in the form of an auxiliary table.

Figure 5 is a bottom plan view of the structure seen in Figure 4, with the parts folded.

Attention is first invited to Figures 1 to 3 inclusive, wherein it will be observed that the auxiliary support is in the form of an ironing board 6. This is provided with a fold able supporting leg structure 7 at the center, and a clamping device at one end. This clamping device is adapted to be connected with a main supporting and turning table 9, or its equivalent. The leg structure embodies a leg 1.0 connected to the center of the bot tom of the board through the medium of a hinge 11, one leaf 12 of which is fastened to the bottom of the board and the other leaf 13 of which is fastened to the leg 10 and is provided with outstanding pins 14. One side fastened to a spacing cleat 25, carried by the Figure 4 is a view like Figure 1, showing a 1928. Serial No. 275,673.

of the leg, near the bottom is formed with the notch and a rack bar 15 is set in this, and

the sliding foot 16 cooperates therewith. The foot embody outwardly diverging rests 17 disposed on" opposite sides of the legs and connected with substantially guide and retaining plates 18. These are slidably mounted on-the leg 10 and'it is obvious from Figures 2 and 3. One of the rests, as shown in Figure 3, is providedwith the spring retaining latch 19, operated by a small knob 20, whose shank extends through the slot in one of the plates 18, as shown. The leg 10 is provided near its bottom with a part 21 provided with a headed stud 22, in forming a snap fastener which serves to hold the legs up in intimate folded relation beneath the left hand end portion of the board.

A coil spring 23 is connected with the leg and with the under side of the opposite end portion of the board and serves to swing the leg down to operative supporting position when the snap fastener is released. The clamp 8 comprises a pair of bar members 24,

board. The end portion 26 of these members areadapted to engage the main supporting table 9 in the manner shown in Figure 1. The opposite end portions are thinned or bevelled as at 27. Near the last named end we find a small angle iron 28, having a rigid clip 29 over which the coil spring 28 extends when the leg 10 is in folded. position. lVith this arrangement it is obvious that thelegs may be automatically swung down to supporting position by releasing the snap fastener. Then the foot member 15 can be adjusted and will as held in the various adjusted position through the medium of the retaining latch and toothed rack bar with which it cooperates. When the leg swings down, the outstanding pin 14 engages the bevelled leg portions 27 of the leg members 24, to produce a binding action which aids in sustaining the legin vertical supporting position. in this connection, it is obvious thatthe members 24 are of resilient material to brlng about a depending binding or retaining action.

' Attention is now invited to Figures 4 and 5, wherein it will be seen that 30 designates a table or its equivalent.

The adjustable clamp is designated by 31 and the leg structure by 32. The leg structure here comprises a pair of spaced parallel rails 83, (see Figure 5) connected to the center ofthe bottom of the table through the medium of a hinge. One leaf 34: of the hinge is fastened to the table and the other leaf 35 is fastened to the rail. The last named leaf is provided with a hook like and portion 86 which functions as a shoe. Disposedbetween the rails 33 is an extension leg 37 equipped with a toothedrack bar 38, with which the spring retaining latch 39 is cooperable. Here again, the latch cooperates with the casing plates 40. The plates in thisinstance are car ried by the blocks 83 as is obvious.

port, means associated with the hinge for engaging the bevelled inner end portion of said member, a rigid clip carried by said member adjacent its inner bevelled end, a spring having one end connected with the leg, and disposed inoperative relation to said clip.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

GEORGE w. MoTHOMPSON.

The clamp 31 comprises a substantially Y- shaped member. The arm portions 41 are intended to engage the main supporting table 42, as shown in Figured. The stemportion 43 extends through a substantially U-shaped bracket 44, carried by thebottom of the table and terminates in a; bevelled end portion 45, with which the shoe 36 engages to bring about the clamping action. A pair of springs 46 are connected with the central portion of the stem and with the table thereby exerting an upward pull upon this bevelled end portion of the stem 'cfi. Hence when the leg, is swung down, the bevelled end of the stem is moved away from the auxiliary table 30 and the opposite end is clamped firmly against the main supporting table 32.

It is thought that this operation is quite clear, however,when considering the description in connection with the drawings.

It is believed that after the description is compared carefully with the drawings, a clear understanding of the general principle of operation and the specific details and arrangement for accomplishing the result Will be quite clear. In fact, the advantages of a structure of this class will be evident since the supporting leg and clamping means is applicable to, any sort of an auxiliary support, Whether it be an extension shelf, anironing board, an auxiliarytablmfa drawing board, or the like. I Changes in shape, size and rearrangement of parts coming within the field of invention may be resortedto, if desired.

I claim:

In a structure of the class described, an

auxiliary support, a clamping device em- 'bodying a member disposed beneath one end portion of the support with its outer end 10- cated'to engage a main support, andwith its inner end locatedbeneath the central portion of the auxiliary support, said lnner end being bevellechmeans connecting the intermediate portion'of sa d member to the auxiliary support, ahingedly adjustably mounted leg structure connected'tothe under side of the intermediate portion of the auxiliary sup- 

